Detergent for removing skin adherents and the like



Patented Jan. 30, 1951 DETERGENT FOR REMOVENG SKEN ABHERENTS AND THE LIKE Steven Clensos, Los Angeles, Calif.

No Drawing. Application June 9, 1947, Serial N0. 753,575

4 Claims.

This invention relates to solvents or detergents. Its primary object is to provide a solvent liquid that is effective in removing skin adherents, such as spirit gum, or resinous or similar adhesives commonly employed in adhesive tapes, particularly those used for surgical purposes; for makeup by actors, etc.

Members of the theatrical profession have for years used strong solvents in removing makeup accessories such as wigs, toupees, false mustaches, etc. Many liquids capable of readily loosening such makeup accessories, including those which employ adhesive tape or spirit gum, are well known; Such liquids include such substances as ketones, esters, ethers, and aromatic or chlorinated hydrocarbons. However, the action of such substances is harsh and deleterious to the human skin. The use of such solvents extracts the natural oils from the skin and dries it out, thereby producing a harmful condition which is known to induce dermatitis. This ailment may appear in various forms from such unwise or improper usage of solvents. For example, it frequently appears as split or cracked skin or in the form of a rash. Actors who must use such solvents at frequently repeated intervals, find it necessary to employ careful counter measures to avoid the harmful effects of the solvents.

With the foregoing problem in mind, the primary object of my invention is to provide a solvent or detergent which will act with satisfactory rapidity to dissolve, cut, or soften theatrical and medical skin adherents and the like and yet which, at the same time, does not have a harmful effect upon the human skin.

Another object is to provide a solvent or detergent which will remove from skin or hair a wide variety of substances, including, in addition to theatrical spirit gum: chewing gum, fresh paints and enamels and varnishes, theatrical grease paints or similar makeup, coal-tar, pitches and ingredients of'tree saps (e. g., pine or cypress saps); shoe polish, lipstick, lubricating oils and greases, modeling waxes, jewelry discoloration. on skin; products containing uncured or partially cured rubber or plastics, such as bubble gum and other substances of a tarry or gummy or waxy nature.

My i'rliiention is based primarily upon the concept of a mixture of selected hydrocarbons lying within a range which includes a suiiicient proportion of the more volatile hydrocarbons to provide the desired solvent activity, but eliminates the higher volatiles to a sufficient extent to adequately avoid the harshness characterizing the known rapidly acting solvents. The invensible, through the employment of the selected ran e of hydrocarbons encompassed by my invention, to completely eliminate all the undesirable attributes of the known solvents for gummy and waxy substances, without unduly slowing down the speed of action of the solvent.

Ordinary kerosene or coal-oil has for many years been a well known solvent for paints, gums, waxes, etc. It has been, and still is, commonly used for cutting such substances. However, the disagreeable characteristics and effect of kerosene are equally well known. It has a disagreeable odor. It removes the natural oils from the skin and leaves the skin dry, harsh and cracked. It has never been considered possible to employ kerosene, either in a crude or a refined state, as a skin detergent that could be used on human skin without producing either a harmful or a disagreeable effect; Nevertheless, I have discovered that by proper selection of a semi-volatile oil, falling generally within the range commonly referred to as including the kerosenes, and by proper proportioning and mixing this semivolatile oil with a non-volatile oil falling in a heavier range of hydrocarbons including What are commonly known as the mineral oils, that it is possible to attain the desired solvent action and at the same time to completely eliminate any harmful or disagreeable effect.

The semi-volatile oil is not, however, kerosene. lit does not include either the lighter or the heavier fractions of kerosene. It has none of the disagreeable odor of kerosene. It has a density of about 0.765 at 20 C. Subjected to distillation, it commences to boil at 204 C. and is completely distilled at 252 C. Between these lower and upper limits, the percentage of distillation proceeds as follows:

7. I. B. P 204.0 223.5 5% 209.5 227.0 10% r 211.5 232.0 20% 214.0 237.0 30% 216.0 2&20 40% 218.5 E. P 252.0 50% 221.0

The foregoing characteristics classify the semivolatile oil of my solvent generally as a p'araiiin oil. A roughly equivalent fraction can be obtained by separating by progressive distillation, a commercial kerosene into three fractions, comprising a light fraction constituting 30% of the total volume of the commercial material, an intermediate fraction constituting 60% of the total volume, and a heavy fraction constituting of the total volume of the commercial material, and by discarding the lighter and the heavier fractions and utilizing the intermediate fraction. Other methods of producing the semivolatile oil may also be employed, the foregoing description being for the purpose of identifying the characteristics of the material.

After the oil has been produced by appropriate distillation, the residual odor is removed by a deodorization step. This may be accomplished by agitating the oil with bentonite clay, decanting, and redistilling the separated liquid.

The non-volatile oil may comprise simply a light liquid petrolatum or mineral oil having a specific gravity of 0.87 to 0.89 at C. and a kinematic viscosity of about 375 centistokes at C.

- The semi-Volatile and non-volatile constituents of ,my solvent are blended together in the proportions by volume of approximately 60% to 80% of the semi-volatile oil to approximately to 20% of the non-volatile oil. In order to enhance the pleasing characteristics of the solvent, I prefer to add a coloring agent and a perfuming invention includes such a mixture of hydrocarbons, Whether prepared by the mixing and blending of the two ingredients after they have been separately and individually prepared, or by directly distilling the entire range of hydrocarbons from a crude petroleum base.

In using the solvent, it is applied to the adhesive tape or other material to be removed, and allowed to penetrate and be absorbed for a few moments (thirty seconds is ordinarily ample). By then applying more of the solvent, or by Washing the skin with a good soap solution and water, the entire body of gum and solvent may be easily Washed away from the skin without harming the skin in any manner. Where the final Washing is done with the solvent itself, which is a preferable method, the excess solvent is simply wiped from the surface of the skin, leaving a percentage of the solvent adhering in the pores of the skin. From this remainder, the lighter semi-volatile oil will gradually evaporate, leaving the heavier mineral oil on the slain, with a decided beneficial effect upon the skin.

As a modification of the invention, it is possible to embody my improved solvent in a material having a semi-liquid characteristic such as, for example, a creamy, pasty or gel-like conagent, although it is to be understood that these i ingredients are optional and not entirely essential to the main characteristics of the invention. The coloring agent may be an oil soluble dye. The perfuming agent may be one of the oil soluble perfumes.

- My improved solvent in its final form has the following essential characteristics:

AppearanceCrystal-clear liquid;

sistency. This can be accomplished by adding to the ingredients specified above, an ingredient such as lanolin, Vaseline, or equivalent waxes commonly employed in facial creams, or a gelling agent such as aluminum stearate.

The following are examples of solvents embodying my invention:

Example No. I

Semi-volatile ingredient-constituting approximately 70% (by volume) of the entire body of Viscosity-Highly mobile (less than 2 centipoises jj other gummy substances, with sufficient rapidity to be highly satisfactory for the cleaning of surfaces having these substances adhering ther a Physiological action-Does not harm, irritate, dry, orotherwise deleteriously affect the human skin;

OdorI-Ias no disagreeable odor whatsoever (either with or without the perfuming agent) lnfiammability-Not inflammable (i. e., is not subject to exploding or catching fire in the container or during normal use, even though used near an open flame. It will of course support combustion if preheated to a temperature above its lowest boiling point) Toxic effect-Can be taken internally without noticeable toxic eifectsubstantially as much so as mineral oil;

and has the following optional characteristics:

ColorAny desired color; Odor-Pleasing perfumed odor.

While I have described my improved solvent as being made up of a mixture of two essential ingredients, one a semi-volatile oil and the other a non-volatile oil, it is to be understood that the solventa deodorized hydrocarbon in the kerosene range, but omitting the fraction at the lighter end of such range, to the extent of 30% of the total volume of the commercial material, and omitting the fraction at the heavier end of the range, to the extent of 10% of the total volume of the commercial material, having a dis-,- tillation curve approximately as stated in lines.

49 to 55, column 2 of this specification.

Non-volatile ingredientconstituting approximately 30% (by volume) of the entire body of the solventa light liquid petrolatum or mineral oil having a specific gravity of 0.87 to 0.89 at 25 C. and a kinematic viscosity of about 375 centistokes at 35 C.

Example No. II

Semi volatile ingredient constituting approximately 60% (by volume) of the entire body of solventa deodorized hydrocarbon in the kerosene range, but omitting the fraction at the lighter end of such range, to the extent of 30% of the total volume of the commercial material,- and omitting the fraction at the heavier end of the range, to the extent of 10% of the total volume of the commercial material, having a distillation curve approximately as stated in lines 49 to 55, column 2 of this specification.

Non volatile proximately 40% (by volume) of the entire body of the solvent-a light liquid petrolatum or mineral oil having a specific gravity of 0.87 to 0.89 at 25 C. and a kinematic viscosity of about 375 centistokes at 35 C.

Example No. III

Semi volatile ingredient constituting apingredient constituting approximately 80% (by volume) of the first two ingredients-a deodorized hydrocarbon in the kerosene range, but omitting the fraction at the lighter end of such range, to the extent of 30% of the total volume of the commercial material, and omitting the fraction at the heavier end of the range, to the extent of of the total volume of the commercial material, having a distillation curve approximately as stated in lines 49 to 55, column 2 of this specification.

Non volatile ingredient constituting approximately (by volume) of the first two ingredientsa light liquid petrolatum or mineral oil having a specific gravity of 0.87 to 0.89 at C. and a kinematic viscosity of about 875 centistokes at 35 C.

Third ingredienta heavy, non-liquid hydrocarbon such as Vaseline (heavy petrolatum), sufiicient to produce a pasty consistency.

Example N0. IV

Semi volatile ingredient constituting approximately 80% (by volume) of the first two ingredients-a deodorized hydrocarbon in the kerosene range, but omitting the fraction at the lighter end of such range, to the extent of of the total volume of the commercial material, and omitting the fraction at the heavier end of the range, to the extent of 10% of the total volume of the commercial material, having a distillation curve approximately as stated in lines 49 to 55, column 2 of this specification.

Non volatile ingredientconstituting approximately 20% (by volume) of the first two ingredients a light liquid petrolatum or "mineral oil having a specific gravity of 0.87 to 0.89 at 25 C. and a kinematic viscosity of about 375 centistokes at C.

Third ingredienta heavy, non-liquid ingredient such as lanolin sufficient to produce a pasty consistency.

Example N0. V

Semi volatile ingredient constituting approximately 80% (by volume) of the first two ingredientsa deodorized hydrocarbon in the kerosene range, but omitting the fraction at the lighter end of such range, to the extent of 30% of the total volume of the commercial material, and omitting the fraction at the heavier end of the range, to the extent of 10% of the total volume of the commercial material, having a distillation curve approximately as stated in lines 49 to 55, column 2 of this specification.

Non volatile ingredient-constituting approximately 20% (by volume) of the first two ingredients-a light liquid petrolatum or mineral oil having a specific gravity of 0.87 to 0.89 at 25' C. and a kinematic viscosity of about 375 centistokes at 35 C.

Third ingredient-aluminum stearate as a gelling agent.

Example No. VI

Semi -volati1e ingredientconstituting approximately 80% (by volume) of the first two ingredients-a deodorized hydrocarbon in the kerosene range, but omitting the fraction at the lighter end of such range, to the extent of 30% of the total volume of the commercial material, and omitting the fraction at the heavier end of the range, to the extent of 10% of the total volume of the commercial material, having a distillation curve approximately as stated in lines 49 to 55, column 2 of this specification.

Non volatile ingredientconstituting ap- 6 proximately 20% (by volume) of the first two ingred-ients-a light liquid petrolatumor "mineral oil having a specific gravity of 0.87 to 0.89 at 25 C. and a kinematic viscosity of about 37 5 centistokes at 35 C.

Third ingredient--an emulsifying agent.

One of the most important aspects of my invention is its efiicacy in removing adhesive tape. The tape is saturated with the liquid, applied to its exposed surface, and allowed to soften. The tape is then peeled from the surface very easily, without pulling the skin or hair. Any of the adhesive remaining adhered to the skin, is removed by a second application of the solvent, or simply by wiping it off with a cloth or the like.

I claim:

1. A solvent for removing adherents such as adhesive tape and spirit gums, characterized by the lack of any disagreeable odor or any harmful effect upon the human skin, said solvent, with the exception of very small percentages of inactive ingredients such as perfuming and coloring agents, consisting in a mixture of a light liquid petrolatum having a specific gravity of between .87 and .89 at 25 C. and a kinematic viscosity of about 375 centistokes at 35 C., and a deodorized hydrocarbon fraction within the kerosene range, consisting in a 30%-90% cut of the entire kerosene range, omitting the 30%, by volume, fraction and the 10%, by volume, fraction at the lighter and heavier ends of the range, respectively, said deodorized fraction having a composition characterized by the following percentages of distillation at the temperatures given:

C. C. I B P 2040 60% 223.5 5% 2095 70% 227.0 10% 2115 232.0 20% 2140 237.0 30% 2160 242.0 40% 218.5 E. P 252.0 50% 221.0

where I. B. P. represents the initial boiling point and E. P. represents the end point or the completion of distillation; and including lanolin, in sufficient proportion to produce a pasty consist ency.

2. A solvent for removing adherents such as adhesive tape and spirit gums, characterized by the lack of any disagreeable odor or any harmful effect upon the human skin, said solvent, with the exception of very small percentages of inactive ingredients such as perfuming and coloring agents, consisting in a mixture of a light liquid petrolatum. having a specific gravity of between .87 and .89 at 25 C. and a kinematic viscosity of about 375 centistokes at 35 C., and a deodorized hydrocarbon fraction within the kerosene range, consisting in a 30 %-90% cut of the entire kero sene range, omitting the 30%, by volume, fraction and the 10%, by volume, fraction at the lighter and heavier ends of the range, respectively, said deodorized fraction having a composition characterized by the following percenitages of distillation at the temperatures given:

0. o. 1. B. P 204.0 00% 223.5 5% 209.5 70% 227.0 10% 211.5 80% 232.0 20% 214.0 90% 237.0 30% 210.0 95% 242.0 40% 218.5 E. P 252.0 50% 221.0 j

7 where I. BJP. represents the initial boiling point and'E. P. represents the end point or the comple- 15011 05 distillation; and including a hydrocarbon Wax insufiicient proportion to produce a pasty consistency.

3. A solvent for removing adherents such as adhesive tape and spirit gums, characterized by the lack of any disagreeable odor or any harmful effect upon the human skin, said solvent, with the exception of very small percentages of inactive ingredients such as perfuming and coloring agents, consisting in a mixture of a light liquid petrolatum having a specific gravity of between .87 and .89 at 25 C."and a kinematic viscosity of about 375 centistokes at 35 C., and a deodorized hydrocarbon fraction within the kerosene range, consisting in a 30 %-90% cut of the entire kerosene range, omitting the 30%, by volume, fraction and the 10%, by volume, fraction at the lighter and heavier ends of the range, respectively, said deodorized fraction having a composition characterized by the following percentages of distillation at the temperatures given:

0. c. I. B. P 204.0 00% 223.5 209.5 70% 227.0 211.5 50% 232.0 20% 214.0 90% 237.0 30% 210.0 95% p 242.0 40% 218.5 E. P 252.0 50% 221.0

where I. B. P. represents the initial boiling point and E. P. represents the end point or the completion of distillation; and including aluminum stearate as a gelling agent.

4. A solvent for removing adherents such as adhesive tape and spirit gums, characterized by the lack of any disagreeable odor or any harmful effect upon the human skin, said solvent, with the exception of very small percentages of inactive ingredients such as perfuming and coloring agents, consisting in a mixture of a light liquid petrolatum having a specific gravity of between .87 and .89 at 25 C. and a kinematic viscosity of about 375 centistokes at 35 C., and a deodorized hydrocarbon fraction within the kerosene range, consisting in a 30%-90% cut of the entire kerosene range, omitting the 30%, by volume, fraction and the 10% by volume, fraction at the lighter and heavier ends of the range, respectively, said deodorized fraction having a composition characterized by the following percentages of distillation at the temperatures given:

C. C. I. B. P 204.0 223.5 5% 209.5 227.0 10% 211.5 232.0 20% 214.0 237.0 30% 216.0 242.0 40% 218.5 E. P. 252.0 50% 221.0

where I. B. P. represents the initial boiling point and E. P. represents the end point or the completion of distillation; and including a thickening agent selected from the group consisting of lanolin, hydrocarbon wax, and aluminum stearate in sufiicient proportion to produce a pasty consistency.

STEVEN CLENSOS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

4. A SOLVENT FOR REMOVING ADHERENTS SUCH AS ADHESIVE TAPE AND SPIRIT GUMS, CHARACTERIZED BY THE LACK OF ANY DISAGREEABLE ODOR OR ANY HARMFUL EFFECT UPON THE HUMAN SKIN, SAID SOLVENT, WITH THE EXPECTION OF VERY SMALL PERCENTAGES OF INACTIVE INGREDIENTS SUCH AS PERFUMING AND COLORING AGENTS, CONSISTING IN A MIXTURE OF A LIGHT LIQUID PETROLATUM HAVING A SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF BETWEEN .87 AND .89 AT 25* C. AND A KINEMATIC VISCOSITY OF ABOUT 375 CENTISTOKES AT 35* C., AND A DEODORIZED HYDROCARBON FRACTION WITHIN THE KEROSENE RANGE, CONSISTING IN A 30%-90% CUT OF THE ENTIRE KEROSENE RANGE, OMITTING THE THE 30%, BY VOLUME, FRACTION AND THE 10% BY VOLUME, FRACTION AT THE LIGHTER AND HEAVIER ENDS OF THE RANGE, RESPECTIVELY, SAID DEODORIZED FRACTION HAVING A COMPOSITION CHARACTERIZED BY THE FOLLOWING PERCENTAGES OF DISTILLATION AT THE TEMPERATURES GIVEN: 